---

NORTH ATTLEBORO - Residents are being asked to give a pint to help save a half-pint as part of a blood drive Monday in honor of a local boy.

The Children's Hospital bloodmobile will be at the Allen Avenue Fire Station from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday. The blood drive, organized by North Attleboro Firefighter Brian Kelley and his wife, Mandi, is in honor of their nephew, Trent Kelley, who is battling cancer.

"My nephew is 5 years old and was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's T-cell lymphoma right around Memorial Day," Brian Kelley said. "They're in the process of testing him to see if he has leukemia, too, and he's going through radiation and chemotherapy at Children's Hospital.

"I went in there to donate some blood to help out, and I thought, 'You know, we might be able to get a bunch of people together to donate blood.'"

Kelley's fellow firefighters immediately signed on to help with the blood drive, as have numerous family and friends as the word spread. "The response has been really good so far," Kelley said. "They said they could take 80 people throughout the day, and we've already booked about half that number for appointments. We've also had a few people say they will stop by but they aren't sure what time yet. I'm hoping that we'll be able to fill all 80 spots."

Kelley said his nephew is doing well - greeting the day with giggles and jokes, as usual.

"He knows that his Uncle Brian is doing something and he is disappointed he can't be there to see the fire trucks," Kelley said. "It's a great opportunity to help out - not just Trent, but many other people as well."

For every person who donates blood, up to four young patients at Children's Hospital will be helped.

Although children can't donate blood, the Kelleys have also invited participants to being their children along so they can see the fire trucks and fire equipment.

The blood drive will be held at Fire Station No. 3, at 210 Allen Ave.

While walk-ins will be accepted, if possible call ahead to make an appointment for the blood drive by contacting the Kelleys at 508-455-2084.